13 Reasons Why Your Dog Won't Let You Sit Down + 7 Tips

Does sitting down seem impossible when your pooch is around?

Your dog starts to bark, growl, or air snaps every time you try to sit.

Why is this happening?

In this article, you’ll discover:

7 easy tips to curb your dog’s behavior.
13 real reasons why your dog won’t let you sit down.
The surprising truth why your dog attacks you when you sit on the couch.
And many more…

Table of contents

Why won’t my dog let me sit down?
13 reasons why your dog won’t let you sit down
7 tips on what to do if your dog won’t let you sit down
People also ask:

Why won’t my dog let me sit down?

Your dog won’t let you sit down because they’re hungry, thirsty, territorial, warning you, hyperactive, playful, scared, or bored. It could also be that you reward them when they do it, they lack training, are in discomfort, need something or it’s a combination of any of the abovementioned reasons.

13 reasons why your dog won’t let you sit down

#1: Your pooch is asking for food

When’s the last time you fed your pooch?

Here’s a scenario: Your dog barks at you like mad. Stopping you midway through your attempt to take a seat.

You’re puzzled. “What is it?” you ask your canine companion.

Then your dog barks once more. The next thing that happens is you see the clock and notice the time.

Oh no! Time for your Fido’s meal!

“Of course, a cushy couch can wait, but a growling stomach can’t.”

Check out also: 9 interesting reasons why your dog stares at you when you eat

#2: Your dog’s thirsty

Similar to the previous reason, Doggo could be thirsty.

Especially if they keep running around the house. Or bark on every person who passes by.

If they don’t have access to a water dispenser or the water in their bowl happens to run out.

They’ll come barking and running to you.

It’s their way of asking for something they need.

Other signs of a thirsty pooch are:

Pacing.
Drooling.
Searching for water.
Dry and pale gums.

#3: Your pooch is being territorial

Your Dog Won't Let You Sit Down Because Of Its Territorial Behavior

Some domesticated dogs can feel that they’re the king of the house.

If they want to claim your sitting spot as theirs, they’ll do it.

The territorial behavior can be due to:

Stress.
Anxiety.
Sexual Arousal.
Hormonal Influences.

So, next time they stop you from sitting, maybe they could be telling you something. For example that it’s their sitting spot, you’re taking.

Here are some of the most known territorial breeds:

Puli.
Rottweiler.
Komondor.
Bullmastiff.
Giant Schnauzer.
German Shepherd.
Doberman Pinscher.
Rhodesian Ridgeback.

#4: Your Fido’s trying to warn you

Who needs a superhero when you have a doggo?

Dogs don’t have a sixth sense. Instead, they have an intense sense of smelling and hearing.

So they’re able to use this to detect threats in the environment.

“This is not the right time to relax, hooman.”

If they stop you from sitting they could be warning you of danger.

A hint from their special ability that you should prepare for whatever they’re sensing.

Trivia: Did you know that dogs can feel if there are natural disasters coming? Such as storms or earthquakes.

Dr. Stanley Coren gathered data about dog’s anxiety before a 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck the Pacific Northwest. It happened during his study about dogs having Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Results showed that out of 193 dogs, 49% showed a significant increase in anxiety. And 47% were more active before the earthquake happened.

He also stated that dog’s intense hearing may allow them to hear the grinding and breaking of rocks underground. This is what causes earthquakes.

#5: Your dog is hyperactive

High in energy, distracted, and attention-seeking.

Those are some of the signs of hyperactive dogs.

Pooches who are hyperactive will be alert to anything.

Their hyperactivity could be to blame for the behavior of not letting you sit down.

A dog can be hyperactive due to various factors. One of which is their dog breed.

Here are some of the hyperactive breeds:

Poodle.
Dalmatian.
Weimaraner.
Border Collie.
Siberian Husky.
Labrador Retriever.
Australian Shepherd.
Jack Russell Terrier.

Another factor for Fido’s hyperactivity is what they eat. Products such as glucose, carbohydrates, and packaged foods can lead to hyperactive behavior.

It’s okay to give them small quantities but too much of those will cause hyperactivity.

Flavorings, for example, have a lot of sugar in them. Too much sugar in a dog’s diet makes them hyper. Just like it’d do to people.

A study proved that sugar reduction in the diet improves the quality and duration of a dog’s life.

Warning: Dogs who consume too much of any meal with artificial flavorings are most likely to develop serious health problems in the long run. Such as diabetes, cavities, and obesity. Last but not least, this could also lead to behavioral problems.

Another thing to be concerned about is too many carbohydrates and artificial preservatives. Which are common in packaged dog foods.

I know busy dog parents often opt to buy instant or canned foods for their pooches. Some people believe it’s practical because they’re cheap and can be stored for a long time.

But what’s practical to you isn’t always practical to a dog’s health. For example, packaged dog foods contain a high amount of carbs that go from 46 – 74%.

In fact, according to Dr. Tiffany Tupler, your pooch should only have 20% of carbohydrates to have a healthy and balanced diet.

You might also want to read: 11 Little-Known Reasons Why Your Dog Is Hyper In The Morning + 3 Tips

#6: Your pooch is being playful

Is your dog bursting with energy?

It could be the reason for their playful behavior.

They need to pour it out. So they invite you to play.

Have you left them alone for work?

Stopping you from sitting can mean that they want to have quality time with you.

Imagine waiting for someone you love to come home for 3 days. And end up going straight to the couch the moment they arrive home.

The excitement of seeing you and having someone to play with is something they can’t contain.

So, get up! A little more time away from the couch won’t hurt.

Grant your Fido’s simple request and play with them. 🙂

#7: Your dog is stressed

Take a look around your surroundings.

Is it raining? Are there kids playing outside? Did you just move in? Is there a loud noise near your place? Is it too hot or too cold?

These may stress out your dog.

And your dog will communicate how they feel by not letting you sit on the couch.

Fido at this moment is like a baby. In the sense that they can’t tell you exactly what they want.

So what are they going to do? Cry until their needs are provided.

In your dog’s case, they’ll bark until you get up from the couch and help them feel better.

Don’t forget to also read: 7 top reasons why your dog stands in front of you (and stares/barks)

#8: Your Fido has nothing to do

Dogs love entertainment.

Small matters amuse them.

It could be something as simple as seeing a butterfly fly by the window. Or playing with a tossed ball.

They’ll bore themselves if all they do is stare at you while you relax on the couch.

As a result, they’ll bark at you, leading you to believe they don’t want you to sit down.

When in fact, it’s their way of suggesting that you both do something enjoyable.

A bored dog will also:

Dig.
Run.
Pace.
Escape.
Chew anything.
Lick excessively.

#9: It’s a learned behavior

Have you given your dog something exciting before you sat down?

If your answer’s yes, your dog will believe that it’ll happen again every time you sit down.

As a result, they’ll keep on bothering you if you don’t give them anything.

It’s more that they’re asking for it. And not prohibiting you from sitting.

It’s the same as my friend’s experience. She used to give her dog belly rubs every time she sits on her bed.

Now, her dog expects to get them every time my friend sits on her bed.

Her dog nudges her hand and even sometimes barks at her. That only happens if she doesn’t rub her dog’s belly. Pretty straightforward from her pooch, don’t you think?

#10: Your dog lacks training

Being untrained can also be a factor for the behavior of not letting you sit down.

If they’re not trained to be still while you’re sitting, they won’t take “No” for an answer.

I have a friend who recently adopted a shelter dog. The doggo is super nice but needs training.

The pooch won’t let my friend sit down on a bench in the park. As soon as my friend sits down, his furry friend starts jumping on him. Pawing at him. And even playfully biting his arms.

Is it that big of a deal?

For now – no. But it might turn into a problem if it continues. Especially considering this is a big heavy doggo.

I mean, imagine being tired and then struggle to curb your dog. Instead of enjoying some nice rest. Whether it’s sitting on the grass or the bench. Or even the couch.

Plus, other behavioral problems can also occur when a dog is not properly trained.

These include uncontrolled chewing and biting.

But hey, both you and my friend can still fix that. Keep reading to find out how.

#11: Your pooch’s in discomfort

“I don’t mean to bother you but something’s wrong with me.”

What concerns dog parents is that this is more than hunger, thirst, or boredom.

Particularly, if Fido doesn’t do that in general.

Your dog may stop you from taking a seat signals that they’re in discomfort.

Just like a child who would run to their parents, crying. To tell them what had happened after their knees were scratched.

Try to see if your dog has an upset stomach, injury, wound, or anything that makes them feel unwell.

Symptoms of an upset stomach include:

Diarrhea.
Vomiting.
Salivation.
Licking the floor.
Loss of appetite.
Gurgling noises from the stomach.

Signs of an injury are:

Crying.
Limping.
Stiffness.
Sore paws.
Being sensitive to touch.

Some wounds are harder to see, specifically if you have a furry dog. Signs of a wound are:

Bruising.
Bleeding.
Hair loss.
Skin scratches.
Cries if touched.
Matting fur around the wound.

These signs are something that should be taken care of right away.

Take your dog to the animal hospital if your dog happens to show the symptoms I’ve mentioned.

Further reading: Why does my dog cry when picked up?

#12: Your dog needs something

Your dog won’t let you sit on the couch because they might need something from you.

This can be more than just a toy, food, or anything that you possess.

It might be that you forgot to take them out for a walk and they haven’t taken a pee or poop.

They’ll try to let you know through barking and body language.

Signs that your dog needs a toilet break are:

Pacing.
Whining.
Fidgeting.
Sniffing around.
Circling and then squatting.

#13: Your dog feels a combination of the reasons

Your pooch could feel several of the reasons I’ve mentioned.

They could be hungry, thirsty and at the same time want to pee. Or, they could be bored, miss you, and be hyperactive at the same time.

So much going on, right?

Your dog might be puzzled too and the only way they can ask for help is by bothering you.

You might be wondering as to how you’ll attend to all of these.

7 tips on what to do if your dog won’t let you sit down

#1: Give your dog enough food and water

Dogs need a certain daily calorie intake as well as enough water for hydration.

Give your dog enough food and water so they won’t disturb your rest.

Create a meal plan according to your dog’s size. Then stick with it.

For example, an 8-pound (4 kg) Fido should drink more or less 8 ounces (227 g) of water a day. And for their meals, dogs regularly have to eat twice a day.

A study showed that poor nutrition can influence a dog’s behavior and emotional state.

So, it’s good to prepare fresh home-cooked meals for your dog. Such as:

Corn.
Beef.
Tuna.
Pasta.
Turkey.
Carrots.
Chicken.
Cucumbers.
Sweet potato.

That way, you can be certain that your furbaby is eating healthy meals.

#2: Keep your dog active

Never underestimate the power of exercise.

If you keep your dog active then they won’t bother you during your rest time.

Let them have plenty of exercises, play, and training.

The purpose of this is that the pooch will have something to pour out its energy to.

As a result, you’ll be able to have an unbothered couch rest.

A win-win situation it is!

#3: Positive reinforcement

Don’t tolerate the behavior if your pooch doesn’t let you sit down.

Avoid giving them a treat if they’re bothering you. Because they’ll get used to that and they’ll see it as a positive behavior.

Say “No.” if they start to bother you. May it be through barking, play biting or growling.

Then, if they start to behave still and quiet. That’ll be the perfect time to give them a reward.

It’ll help your dog differentiate between good and bad.

They’ll understand that bothering you doesn’t get them what they want. So, they won’t be enthusiastic to do it again.

#4: Create a routine for your pooch

By teaching your dog a routine, they’ll refrain from doing something that’s out of their schedule.

An example of this is barking at you when you try to sit down.

“What kind of routine should I teach my pooch?”

You can start by planning how your pup’s day will go. Choose what time your pooch should sleep, wake up, exercise, play and eat.

A successful routine will make your dog weary. Enough to give you an unbothered rest.

#5: Teach your dog the basic tricks

Teaching your pooch the basic tricks can help prevent unwanted behavior.

The trick that would be useful for this situation is ‘sit’ or ‘stay’.

Here are the simple steps on how to teach your pup to sit:

Hold the treat in front of your pooch
Move the treat on your dog’s eye level.
Command a “Sit.” and push the treat a little to your pooch.

And for the stay trick you can follow these steps:

Make them do a sit.
Walk away and say “Stay.”
If they successfully did stay, you can walk away further until your dog can stay without having a sight of you.

Repeat all the steps until Fido masters them. Don’t also forget to praise and reward them for doing a great job.

For a more detailed tutorial, here’s a force-free Youtube video for sit-stay tricks:

#6: Comfort your dog

Dogs are the most loyal species on earth. They’ll be there for you whether you need them or not.

But you should know that they also need emotional support as much as we do.

There’ll be times where they’ll feel scared or anxious. Comforting them by petting or sitting with them during those moments may help.

Especially to dogs who get clingy to their fur parents when coping up with stress.

#7: Mental stimulation

Physical training and mental training should go hand in hand.

Dog’s mental health is important to their well-being. It’s the one that keeps pooches happy and also makes them sleep well.

Wondering what mental training you can give to your dog? Here are some ideas:

Daily exercise.
Teach a new trick.
Introduce new toys.
Expose to new people.
Play interactive games.

Trivia: A study proved that mental stimulation in dogs can help heal their wounds faster.

13 Reasons Why Your Dog Won’t Let You Sit Down + 7 Tips

Why won’t my dog let me sit down?